Safe and fabulous: Tips for wearing contact lenses with makeup

Medically reviewed by Charissa Lee, OD, MBA, FAAO; Head of Professional Affairs, North America Vision Care

Explore makeup tutorials on YouTube for a few minutes and you’ll quickly find there are a million and one ways to approach applying makeup. Some prefer a minimal, natural look with neutral lipsticks and eye shadows, and lightweight foundations. Others use it as a form of self-expression—artists who tap into colours and emotions to make a statement with bright lipsticks and shimmery glitters. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there’s one thing all makeup wearers should have in common: prioritising the safety of your eyes.

This is especially true if you're a contact lens wearer, because if makeup makes its way into your eyes, it can get on your contact lens or in between the contact lens and the eye, which can lead to irritation or infection. With that in mind, let’s go over some of the top things that you should know to help protect your eyes and keep them healthy.

Tips for safer use of contact lenses and makeup

Hands, then contact lenses, then makeup

Whether you’re wearing makeup products or not, the first rule of wearing contact lenses is always the same—wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Your hands are touching things all day long and can be hotbeds of bacteria, viruses and dirt, which can easily transfer onto contact lenses. We don’t want that, so let’s avoid that.

Once your hands are clean, put your contacts lenses on, then you can get started with your makeup routine.

See how to put on contacts lenses

Take your time

There’s no need to rush, rushing can lead to mistakes which could mean getting makeup in your eye or on your contact lenses, which can be extremely hard to remove and may require you to throw them out.

Avoid the “waterline”

The area between your eyelashes and your eyeball is called the “waterline.” Never put eyeliner or any other makeup here, because it can easily transfer to your eye and your contact lens, causing irritation and potentially infection. Applying makeup at the waterline can also block the oil glands responsible for helping protect the eye’s surface

When you remove makeup, follow the same order as before

Once again, order is very important when you’re wearing contact lenses with makeup. Wash your hands thoroughly, take off your contact lenses, then remove your makeup.

Shop with your eyes in mind

Be picky about your makeup

Certain makeup products are a bad idea, such as one with glitter, especially when contact lenses are involved. But there are a number of other precautions you can take to minimise the possibility that makeup will end up in your eye, and, if it does, that the risk of eye irritation, discomfort or damage is minimal.

No glitter in eye makeup or any face makeup
Use unscented, hypo-allergenic makeup. That way, anything that does accidently go in your eye should be less irritating
Choose cream over loose powder. Powders easily drift into the eye and onto contact lenses
Water-based products > oil-based products. Oil is harder to remove and can be wiped into your eye accidently during the day
Avoid clumpy mascaras or ones that are not waterproof—both make it easier for the mascara to transfer into your eye or onto your contact lens.

Replace your makeup often

A good rule of thumb is to replace makeup every three months since bacteria and other contaminants build up over time. If you come down with conjunctivitis throw any makeup you were using out, as well as any makeup brushes that can't easily be disinfected. While we’re at it, don’t share makeup. Would you share a toothbrush?

For extra convenience, consider daily disposable lenses

Nobody is perfect, even the most cautious people will likely get some makeup on their contact lenses from time to time. When wearing reusable lenses, cleaning with multipurpose contact lens solution to remove any makeup or debris that has built up is required. That said, a simple and maintenance-free option could be a daily disposable. These are thrown out at the end of the day rather than disinfected and stored, minimising the risk of makeup being carried over from one day to the next.

See Daily Disposables

Be safe and confident

By following these makeup and contact lens guidelines, you’re helping to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy, all while creating your favourite look. Remember, if you have any questions or concerns, or are simply curious about trying contact lenses, your next step is to get in touch with an Eye Care Professional.

Find an Eye Care Professional

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is eyeshadow safe for contact lens wearers?

Certain types of eyeshadows are safer than others. Avoid frosted, glittery or shiny types of eye shadow, because these can flake and get into your eye. If you aren’t sure about your eyeshadow, ask your Eye Care Professional.

How do you put in contacts without ruining makeup?

Apply your contact lenses before applying makeup whenever possible. This minimises the chance of makeup contaminating your contact lenses and helps prevent the need to touch your eyelids once your makeup is in place, reducing the risk of smudging or irritation.

How to get makeup off contact lenses?

If you’re wearing daily disposable lenses, remove the contact lens with makeup on it, throw it away, and replace it. If you’re wearing reusable lenses, take off the contact lens and clean it thoroughly with a multipurpose solution. This removes many kinds of makeup residue. That said, certain types of makeup, like false eyelash glue, may damage your contact lens, requiring you to replace it. When in doubt, throw your contact lens away and wear a fresh one.

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Can you use eye drops with contact lenses?

All ACUVUE^® contact lenses have UV Blocking to help provide protection against transmission of harmful UV radiation to the cornea and into the eye. UV absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV absorbing eyewear such as UV absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area. You should continue to use UV absorbing eyewear as directed by your optician.

*T&Cs apply: 1 trial per person. 18+. Professional consultation and fitting fees may apply and are not included. Subject to Optician approval. Participating Opticians only. For full terms and conditions see here.

Important information for contact lens wearers: ACUVUE^® Contact Lenses can be used for vision correction. An Eye Care Professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and instructions on proper lens care. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, any eye disease or systemic disease, that may affect the eye, or if you are allergic to any ingredients. If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems, remove the lens and contact your Eye Care Professional immediately. For detailed information on proper wear, care, warnings and precautions, talk to your Eye Care Professional and carefully read the Instructions for Use available on Johnson & Johnson website https://www.e-ifu.com/ For any additional information, please visit our ACUVUE^® website https://www.acuvue.com/en-gb/

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